EghtesadOnline: Smart technologies, the application of Internet of Things and moves to establish smart cities can help combat major urban problems, including the suffocating air pollution and agonizing traffic congestions, the head of Tehran Municipality's Information and Communications Technology Department said.

Mohammad Farjoud added that modern technologies can be harnessed for tackling these and many other problems afflicting megacities like Tehran, TM’s website reported.

In response to growing concerns about the effects of air pollution on citizen’s health, many cities have improved their efforts to measure pollution using IoT.

Smart devices connected through an Internet-based network have been installed in several cities worldwide, which collect relevant data in real time. Using the data, cities can map areas of high pollution, track changes over time, identify polluters and analyze potential interventions, according to Financial Tribune.

Commuting in Tehran has become impossible due to the clogged streets and freeways. Traffic in Tehran has become agonizing, particularly during rush hours, due to the growing urban population, inadequate public transportation services and overreliance on private vehicles.

Last week, air pollution in Tehran reached dangerous levels and schools in the city were closed for consecutive days due to the smog and risks to the health of small children.

Farjoud declared that it is high time authorities and private firms heighten the application of modern technologies and online services that can help counter the dire situation.

The IT expert drew parallels with the UAE’s Dubai on how application of smart technologies has helped the city overcome its pollution and traffic problems.

“Dubai’s technological journey through the application of IoT is a great example how smart technologies can help cities thrive,” he said.

Dubai authorities announced the city’s first ICT strategy in 1999, which was followed by the launch of Dubai Internet City, Dubai E-Government and Dubai Smart Government.

Farjoud called on private entities and startups to submit proposals for countering air pollution and traffic congestion to the TM.

“The municipality welcomes collaboration with firms whose products and services can help counter problems such as air pollution and traffic congestion. Let’s make Tehran livable again together,” he said.

Technological developments in online business and application of IoT in recent years have gained traction in Iran, as several IoT projects have been conducted in different sectors, including agriculture and smart energy management.